PES for EIC Accelerator: Energy-efficient and scalable drying technology to turn wet waste into value

Waister was established in 2012 with a mission to develop and commercialize novel technology to transform wet waste into reusable products - from wet waste to value. Waister's drying units are compact and highly efficient in terms of extracting liquid from all types of wet waste. Technology principles are based on an innovative combination of mechanical fluidization and leading-edge superheated steam (SHS). Incorporating unique heat pump technology provides for another leap in energy efficiency. Seven international (PCT) patents have been filed to date. Having delivered projects to the Thon Group (food waste from the HORECA industry), Nya Carnegie Bryggeriet (spent grain from the beer brewing industry) and Helgeland Smolt (fish sludge from the aquaculture industry), further technology optimization and tuning are required to increase the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) from TRL6 to TRL 8. In particular, the TRL-elevating activities will focus on further energy efficiency and industrialization of Waister's drying units. In parallel, Waister is looking to elaborate on a detailed business plan. In particular, we will use advanced piloting activities during the EIC Accelerator project to substantiate our go-to-market strategy, including market entry segments, value chain positioning, and structures and organization to grow in international markets. Besides the sale and service of drying units, efforts will go into developing new markets with circular economy value propositions. The project represents a capital-intensive effort that is fully in line with EU policy-priority sectors, both in terms of innovation area (Advanced engineering, energy efficiency, enabling circular economy value propositions) and societal value (clean technology, reducing food waste, improved resource utilization).